Enamelware is back, baby. We first saw it at Kitchen by Mike, where Mike McEnearney (formerly of Rockpool) creates delicious food in a relaxed, canteen-style café in the Koskela space in Rosebery, Sydney. It's the space also shared by Megan Morton's The School, so you're eating in very stylish company. The retro feel of enamelware perfectly suits the rustic, home-style offerings at Kitchen by Mike.  It's the sort of food you could eat every day, and like to imagine you could cook at home, but somehow you suspect it wouldn't quite be the same.

Our Creative Director Chris, who sometimes visits bars (for inspiration, obviously), has also spotted enamelware used at The Baxter Inn in the city. Our Head Buyer Caroline was straight onto the trend, and sourced the best traditional pieces from British institution Falcon Enamelware for our feature today.

While putting together today's feature, we learned how practical enamelware is. It is actually made from porcelain fused onto heavy gauge steel at very high heat. This means the enamel coating is as smooth as glass, and chemically resistant. It can chip if you drop it – but it's perfectly safe to use once it's chipped (Falcon thinks it gains more character with evidence of use). It can be used on gas or electric hobs, it can't burn, and it's dishwasher safe.

As is often the case, everything old is new again. Make like your grandmother and bake up a storm in blue-rimmed enamelware, or set a stylish, retro table with the silver-rimmed plates and bowls. Enjoy!